Cars Targeted in Hate Crime Attacks Against East Europeans

POLICE are investigating after cars in Bognor Regis were targeted in a vicious attack. Officers have appealed for information after numerous vehicles were damaged with yellow paint in what is being treated as a hate crime.

The incidents all happened overnight on August 27 while the cars were parked in various residential roads.

A total of 14 vehicles were sprayed with the paint, the majority of which had Eastern European number plates or were owned by Eastern European residents.

Temporary Chief Inspector Pip Taylor, district commander for Arun, said: “Sussex Police takes incidents of this nature very seriously and a thorough investigation to identify those responsible is taking place.

“We are examining CCTV in the area, have stepped up patrols and carried out house to house enquiries to see if anyone saw or heard anything suspicious.

“We’ve also had leaflets delivered in both English and Polish to offer reassurance to residents.

“It would appear that the offender – or offenders – have deliberately targeted vehicles belonging to Eastern Europeans.

“This is not acceptable and if those responsible think the police will tolerate such crimes then they’re very much mistaken.

“Hate crime is not acceptable under any circumstances and the deplorable actions of those responsible will undoubtedly be condemned by the wider community.”

Operation Accent was launched in the district last year, specifically aimed at reducing crime and vulnerability within the Eastern European community. This was set up to help victims of crime.

“A large number of Eastern Europeans live in the areas that were targeted on Tuesday night, the vast majority of whom are decent, hard-working people who have come to make a better life for themselves and their families,” added temporary Ch Insp Taylor.

“There are many vulnerable people within this community and we will continue to work with partner agencies to reduce the risk of them becoming victims of crime.”

Anyone with information about the spate of incidents is asked to telephone police on 101, quoting serial number 0782 of 28/08, or email contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.